Summer Car Care

Summer Car Care Checklist for Joplin Drivers: Keeping Your Buy Here Pay Here Vehicle Cool

Missouri summers don’t go easy on cars. Between the heat, the humidity, and the extra miles that come with road trips and summer activities, your vehicle works harder from June through August than almost any other time of year.

Whether you just drove your used car off the lot or you’ve had it a while, a little summer car maintenance now can save you a breakdown, and a headache, later. Here’s a simple checklist Joplin drivers can run through before the real heat sets in.

Check Your Coolant System

Your cooling system is what keeps the engine from overheating, and it’s under the most stress in the summer months. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, look for any sweet smell or visible leaks under the car, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge on hot drives. If it’s been a while since anyone’s looked at the coolant, it’s worth having it checked before a long trip.

Test Your A/C Before You Need It

There’s nothing worse than realizing your air conditioning isn’t working on the first truly hot day. Turn it on and see how quickly it cools, listen for any unusual noises, and pay attention to airflow strength. Weak or warm air can mean anything from a simple refrigerant top-off to something bigger, so it’s better to find out now than during a July afternoon commute.

Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Hot pavement and rising air temperatures both affect tire pressure, so it’s worth checking more often in the summer than you might the rest of the year. Look at the tread while you’re at it. Worn tires plus hot roads is a combination that adds up to longer stopping distances and a higher blowout risk, especially on longer summer drives.

Have the Battery Tested

It’s a common misconception that batteries only fail in winter. Heat is actually harder on battery components over time. If your battery is more than a few years old, or you’ve noticed slower starts, a quick load test at a local auto parts store can tell you whether it’s time to replace it before it strands you in a parking lot.

Top Off Fluids and Check Belts/Hoses

Oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be checked before summer road trips. While you’re under the hood, take a look at belts and hoses for cracking or soft spots. Heat causes rubber to degrade faster, and a cracked hose is a lot cheaper to replace on your own schedule than after it fails on the highway.

Keep a Basic Summer Emergency Kit

A phone charger, water, a flashlight, and basic jumper cables can make a big difference if you do end up stuck on the side of the road in the heat. It’s a small thing to put together, but it makes an unexpected breakdown a lot less stressful for you and anyone riding with you.